ardeprint
Member
- Nov 1, 2010
- 688
- Boat Info
- 2003 Formular 40PC and a 185 SRX 2002
- Engines
- T Yanmar 440's with V-Drives / 4.3 Mercruiser with Alpha I
Glad to see tax dollars are being used for a positive mission.
Bimini Trip 2013
- Thread starter Odyssey
- Start date
susanandlance
Well-Known Member
Robert, Did you get your eng squared away?
II would like to go to Bimini as well however I am totally new to this - in fact I would appreciate if someone may recommend me some links to guide me through the process - from safety to requirements.. is there a to-do list to get prepared? and when is this group planning to go? I am based in Miami so not sure if that would work.
Thanks
Andrea
Thanks
Andrea
susanandlance
Well-Known Member
Andrea, Get up with Odyssey/Randy on this site, he has all the info and is our trip capt/planner. We're leaving May 23 and returning May 27.
ardeprint
Member
- Nov 1, 2010
- 688
- Boat Info
- 2003 Formular 40PC and a 185 SRX 2002
- Engines
- T Yanmar 440's with V-Drives / 4.3 Mercruiser with Alpha I
Yes!!!!!
It seems to be settled. She is purring like a kitten, but I have not gone out for a sea trial yet. That is always the final test. I won't say its fixed until I do that. Take a look at the thread for the outcome. I don't want to hijack this one. The SRC Gods may thunder upon me...:grin:
Odyssey
Active Member
Hi Andrea and welcome to CSR! I would be happy to help you and think it would be good to go through this learning experience in this thread as there are others who haven't been to the Bahamas before either. As far as leaving from Miami, that will work fine as there is at least one other boat leaving from Miami too.
Let me get organized and I'll post some things on this thread regarding check lists and guidelines. I encourage others to add to the discussion, there is allot of experienced boaters in this group and between all of us, we can help.
More soon!
ardeprint
Member
- Nov 1, 2010
- 688
- Boat Info
- 2003 Formular 40PC and a 185 SRX 2002
- Engines
- T Yanmar 440's with V-Drives / 4.3 Mercruiser with Alpha I
Hello Andrea,
From what marina or area would you cast off from? I am in Matheson Hammock and for the "Bimini Trip" myself and another boat are confirmed. I am working on a third.
Thank you so much Odyssey 
i look forward to it - just let me know .. i do not even know if i need a USCG Captain License and also I want to make sure I am compliant with all safety and rules.. let me know where to ready if you can.
thanks again!
Andrea
i look forward to it - just let me know .. i do not even know if i need a USCG Captain License and also I want to make sure I am compliant with all safety and rules.. let me know where to ready if you can. thanks again!
Andrea
susanandlance
Well-Known Member
No capt. license req'd, but a passport is. 150.00 entry fee to Bahamas, only in cash, no check, or CC, that's just the way it is. Also Google "Local Boaters Option", it can really save time with customs on your return trip.
Odyssey
Active Member
CHAPTER ONE - Licenses, documents, paperwork and fees
No Captains License required to drive your vessel to the Bahamas
No USCBP or USCG requirement for leaving US waters
Must check in with Bahamas Customs and Immigration upon arrival (see below)
How to check in to the Bahamas port (see below)
During your stay in the Bahamas (see below)
Must check in with USCBP upon returning to US by one of two ways (see below)
Misc items of concern (see below)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monetary requirements for pleasure Boats Checking into the Bahamas:
A pleasure vessel arriving in the Bahamas shall be subject to a fee of $150 for boats under 30’ and $300 for boats over 30’, CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS OR CC's. This covers the cost of an initial-entry cruising permit, plus a return visit within ninety (90) days; a vessel would be exempted from additional fees within that 90-day period, except for transportation fees if officers have to come to your boat, such as in Nassau. This also covers a three-month fishing permit and any attendant fees payable to a Customs Officer, as well as any overtime and travel costs required for the attendance of an Immigration Officer, plus the $20 departure tax should you need to fly home. (Bring a copy of your cruising permit to the airport.) Each additional person over three persons will be charged $20. No charge for children under 6 years old.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How to enter Bahamian Waters and check into Bahamas Customs;
· Hoist the yellow quarantine flag near a port of entry.
· Report to a Customs and Immigration facility as soon as possible upon entering Bahamian waters.
· Only the captain may go ashore to clear Customs. No others are allowed off the boat until the vessel is cleared.
· The captain should have the following information ready for Customs officials: ship’s documentation/registration, passports for all persons aboard, pet import permit and firearms information (make, model, serial number, and number of rounds or ammunition—don’t carry weapon in).
· Treat officials with respect; follow their instructions.
Be courteous and neatly dressed. Officers may limit the stay of anyone deemed a security threat or who may be seeking to take the jobs of Bahamians.
· After receiving your cruising permit, take down your Quarantine (yellow) flag and hoist your Bahamian courtesy flag (cruising pennant).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
While you're in the Bahamas
You are not required to intermittently check in while you are in the Bahamas, just have your papers from the Customs office with you on your boat in case you are asked for them
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pleasure Boats Returning to Locations in Florida WITHOUT Local Boaters Option:
· For pleasure boats returning to locations in Florida, pleasure boat arrival reporting is a two-step process:
· All pleasure boats arriving in South Florida must call 800-432-1216 or 800-451-0393 to report their arrival.Upon completion of telephonic arrival notification, boaters will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to present themselves and any passengers for a face-to-face interview.
The South Florida CBP Ports of Entry are:
Miami Seaport
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
903 South America Way, Term. H
Miami, Florida
(305) 536-4758, ext. 5
Port Everglades
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1800 Eller Drive
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 761-2004
West Palm Beach
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1 East 11th Street
Riviera Beach, Florida
(561) 848-6922, ext. 0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Pleasure Boats Returning to Locations in Florida WITH Local Boaters Option:
1. Returning vessels registered for LBO will call the CPB at 800-432-1216; 800-451-0393.
2. The captain will be asked for a variety of other questions: port of arrival, last port of call, LBO number for each crew member. [This is usually sufficient but you should have vessel documentation number User Fee Decal number, crew passport numbers and dates of birth available.] You will be given an 18-digit arrival number and permission for entry.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Misc items regarding the Bahamas
FISHING LICENSE
At the time of clearing Customs, you will have an opportunity to obtain a fishing license as part of the fee. If you intend to troll or spearfish (fishing with SCUBA equipment or spear gun is illegal), ask for a fishing endorsement. Details of fishing regulations are on the permit.
LOBSTER SEASON
Lobster season is different than in the US. It starts on 8/1. You cannot use SCUBA to hunt lobster in the Bahamas, only free diving. You can however use slings
FIREARMS
Bahamian law permits firearms on your vessel as part of your ship’s equipment. They must remain aboard in a secure compartment. In the event of your being boarded by Customs or the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the information on your cruising permit will be checked carefully against your actual supply. Ammunition must match the number on the cruising permit.
PETS
If you wish to bring a pet aboard when cruising the Bahamas, secure a permit before you leave home. An application will be sent to you if you write to: Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box N-3704, Nassau, N.P., Bahamas. You may expedite the process by calling 242-325-7413 or faxing 242-325-3960. Expect to pay a $10 fee. Send International Money Order or Postal Order made payable to the Public Treasury. Do not send a US dollars check with your application. To receive your certificate by fax, include an extra $5 and your fax number. In addition, you will need a health certificate for your pet from your veterinarian to present to the Customs officials when you clear in.
Next, Chapter 2
No Captains License required to drive your vessel to the Bahamas
No USCBP or USCG requirement for leaving US waters
Must check in with Bahamas Customs and Immigration upon arrival (see below)
How to check in to the Bahamas port (see below)
During your stay in the Bahamas (see below)
Must check in with USCBP upon returning to US by one of two ways (see below)
Misc items of concern (see below)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monetary requirements for pleasure Boats Checking into the Bahamas:
A pleasure vessel arriving in the Bahamas shall be subject to a fee of $150 for boats under 30’ and $300 for boats over 30’, CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS OR CC's. This covers the cost of an initial-entry cruising permit, plus a return visit within ninety (90) days; a vessel would be exempted from additional fees within that 90-day period, except for transportation fees if officers have to come to your boat, such as in Nassau. This also covers a three-month fishing permit and any attendant fees payable to a Customs Officer, as well as any overtime and travel costs required for the attendance of an Immigration Officer, plus the $20 departure tax should you need to fly home. (Bring a copy of your cruising permit to the airport.) Each additional person over three persons will be charged $20. No charge for children under 6 years old.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How to enter Bahamian Waters and check into Bahamas Customs;
· Hoist the yellow quarantine flag near a port of entry.
· Report to a Customs and Immigration facility as soon as possible upon entering Bahamian waters.
· Only the captain may go ashore to clear Customs. No others are allowed off the boat until the vessel is cleared.
· The captain should have the following information ready for Customs officials: ship’s documentation/registration, passports for all persons aboard, pet import permit and firearms information (make, model, serial number, and number of rounds or ammunition—don’t carry weapon in).
· Treat officials with respect; follow their instructions.
Be courteous and neatly dressed. Officers may limit the stay of anyone deemed a security threat or who may be seeking to take the jobs of Bahamians.
· After receiving your cruising permit, take down your Quarantine (yellow) flag and hoist your Bahamian courtesy flag (cruising pennant).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
While you're in the Bahamas
You are not required to intermittently check in while you are in the Bahamas, just have your papers from the Customs office with you on your boat in case you are asked for them
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pleasure Boats Returning to Locations in Florida WITHOUT Local Boaters Option:
· For pleasure boats returning to locations in Florida, pleasure boat arrival reporting is a two-step process:
· All pleasure boats arriving in South Florida must call 800-432-1216 or 800-451-0393 to report their arrival.Upon completion of telephonic arrival notification, boaters will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to present themselves and any passengers for a face-to-face interview.
The South Florida CBP Ports of Entry are:
Miami Seaport
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
903 South America Way, Term. H
Miami, Florida
(305) 536-4758, ext. 5
Port Everglades
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1800 Eller Drive
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
(954) 761-2004
West Palm Beach
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1 East 11th Street
Riviera Beach, Florida
(561) 848-6922, ext. 0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Pleasure Boats Returning to Locations in Florida WITH Local Boaters Option:
1. Returning vessels registered for LBO will call the CPB at 800-432-1216; 800-451-0393.
2. The captain will be asked for a variety of other questions: port of arrival, last port of call, LBO number for each crew member. [This is usually sufficient but you should have vessel documentation number User Fee Decal number, crew passport numbers and dates of birth available.] You will be given an 18-digit arrival number and permission for entry.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Misc items regarding the Bahamas
FISHING LICENSE
At the time of clearing Customs, you will have an opportunity to obtain a fishing license as part of the fee. If you intend to troll or spearfish (fishing with SCUBA equipment or spear gun is illegal), ask for a fishing endorsement. Details of fishing regulations are on the permit.
LOBSTER SEASON
Lobster season is different than in the US. It starts on 8/1. You cannot use SCUBA to hunt lobster in the Bahamas, only free diving. You can however use slings
FIREARMS
Bahamian law permits firearms on your vessel as part of your ship’s equipment. They must remain aboard in a secure compartment. In the event of your being boarded by Customs or the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the information on your cruising permit will be checked carefully against your actual supply. Ammunition must match the number on the cruising permit.
PETS
If you wish to bring a pet aboard when cruising the Bahamas, secure a permit before you leave home. An application will be sent to you if you write to: Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box N-3704, Nassau, N.P., Bahamas. You may expedite the process by calling 242-325-7413 or faxing 242-325-3960. Expect to pay a $10 fee. Send International Money Order or Postal Order made payable to the Public Treasury. Do not send a US dollars check with your application. To receive your certificate by fax, include an extra $5 and your fax number. In addition, you will need a health certificate for your pet from your veterinarian to present to the Customs officials when you clear in.
Next, Chapter 2
Last edited:
ardeprint
Member
- Nov 1, 2010
- 688
- Boat Info
- 2003 Formular 40PC and a 185 SRX 2002
- Engines
- T Yanmar 440's with V-Drives / 4.3 Mercruiser with Alpha I
Randy you out did yourself again!
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
Odyssey
Active Member
CHAPTER 2 Vessel condition and preparation
Going to the Bahamas is different than other boating trips, it is remote and separated from the usual boating environment in the US. At about 12 miles off shore of Florida, your cell phone will stop working. At about 23 miles off shore, you will loose sight of land. Depending on your vessel’s speed, you will be out of sight of land for 1-2 hours (in good seas). You won’t see the Bimini Islands until you get about 14 miles out. When you arrive, you won’t have a West Marine or Boat Owner’s Warehouse to get things for the boat. There is one small General Store in Bimini and it doesn't have much in the way of parts. Also, there is no real mechanic on the island.
I’m not trying to scare anybody, I’m just stating the facts. Because of these facts, it is vital that your boat is in good working order and ready for the trip. A thorough check of the boat and engine room along with a good set of tools and a spare parts kit is required. Each boat is different with its own set of parts needed for such a trip. I have a spreadsheet of procedures and spare parts that I carry but it is written for my boat. Here is a generic list of items I found on the internet, it should give you an idea of what to pack
Useful and/or Necessary Items
o PFD for each crew member
o Hats and sunglasses
o Sun screen and chap sticks
o Fins, mask and snorkels
o Water toys – a raft or two for our raft up parties
o Beach clothes
o Ladder or other means to get back on board.
o Flashlight and spare batteries.
o Powerful spotlight
o Fire extinguishers
o Handheld VHF radio
o Spare bilge pump
o Tool kit
Securing the boat for the crossing:
o Stock the boat for 12 hours at sea, you might need it.
o Check the weather and you are prepared for the crossing.
o Pack light… one bag each should be fine, overloading the boat will clutter the cabin and affect your performance and fuel economy
Towing coverage:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Sea Tow or Tow Boat US. In the event of a break-down that cannot be repaired, it is important that all boats have towing coverage’s. If you are towed 40-50 miles offshore, bills can get into the thousands if you do not have proper towing insurance. Note: Other members are there to assist you if your safety is threatened… they are not a towing service.
Inspecting Equipment
ANCHORS
The anchor should be sized properly for the length and weight of boat. There should be a length of chain and rope connected to the anchor. Inspect anchors, chain and rope for general condition make sure any clevis pins are safety wired so they will not come lose.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Check batteries, alternator, running lights, anchor light, bilge pumps and VHF. If you fail to check any piece of equipment it will be the one that won’t work when you need it. Check Spare bulbs and fuses.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Be sure to check all Coast Guard required equipment. Be sure to have PFD’s, Flares, at least 5 good lines, a usable anchor, a working GPS, 1-2 working radios, fenders, tools and spare parts.
ENGINE
Engine checks: oil, belts, leaks, filters and transmission fluid.
Spare replacement parts:
o Spare Prop
o Engine oil
o Fuel filters
o Oil filter
o Hoses / Clamps
o Water pump impeller
o Engine/Blower belts
o Fuses
o Light bulbs
o Spark plugs
o Duct Tape
o Tools
Medications & Medical Supplies
o Medical/First Aid Kit
o Tums, Rolaids etc.
o Aspirin & Tylenol
o Seasickness medication
o Any personal medications
Emergency bag for crossing (Ditch Bag):
o Drinking water
o Flashlight
o Knife
o Medical supplies
o EPRIB
o Whistle
o Hand held radio
o Flares
o Sunscreen
o Three plastic trash bags
Next, Chapter 3
Going to the Bahamas is different than other boating trips, it is remote and separated from the usual boating environment in the US. At about 12 miles off shore of Florida, your cell phone will stop working. At about 23 miles off shore, you will loose sight of land. Depending on your vessel’s speed, you will be out of sight of land for 1-2 hours (in good seas). You won’t see the Bimini Islands until you get about 14 miles out. When you arrive, you won’t have a West Marine or Boat Owner’s Warehouse to get things for the boat. There is one small General Store in Bimini and it doesn't have much in the way of parts. Also, there is no real mechanic on the island.
I’m not trying to scare anybody, I’m just stating the facts. Because of these facts, it is vital that your boat is in good working order and ready for the trip. A thorough check of the boat and engine room along with a good set of tools and a spare parts kit is required. Each boat is different with its own set of parts needed for such a trip. I have a spreadsheet of procedures and spare parts that I carry but it is written for my boat. Here is a generic list of items I found on the internet, it should give you an idea of what to pack
Useful and/or Necessary Items
o PFD for each crew member
o Hats and sunglasses
o Sun screen and chap sticks
o Fins, mask and snorkels
o Water toys – a raft or two for our raft up parties
o Beach clothes
o Ladder or other means to get back on board.
o Flashlight and spare batteries.
o Powerful spotlight
o Fire extinguishers
o Handheld VHF radio
o Spare bilge pump
o Tool kit
Securing the boat for the crossing:
o Stock the boat for 12 hours at sea, you might need it.
o Check the weather and you are prepared for the crossing.
o Pack light… one bag each should be fine, overloading the boat will clutter the cabin and affect your performance and fuel economy
Towing coverage:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Sea Tow or Tow Boat US. In the event of a break-down that cannot be repaired, it is important that all boats have towing coverage’s. If you are towed 40-50 miles offshore, bills can get into the thousands if you do not have proper towing insurance. Note: Other members are there to assist you if your safety is threatened… they are not a towing service.
Inspecting Equipment
ANCHORS
The anchor should be sized properly for the length and weight of boat. There should be a length of chain and rope connected to the anchor. Inspect anchors, chain and rope for general condition make sure any clevis pins are safety wired so they will not come lose.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Check batteries, alternator, running lights, anchor light, bilge pumps and VHF. If you fail to check any piece of equipment it will be the one that won’t work when you need it. Check Spare bulbs and fuses.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Be sure to check all Coast Guard required equipment. Be sure to have PFD’s, Flares, at least 5 good lines, a usable anchor, a working GPS, 1-2 working radios, fenders, tools and spare parts.
ENGINE
Engine checks: oil, belts, leaks, filters and transmission fluid.
Spare replacement parts:
o Spare Prop
o Engine oil
o Fuel filters
o Oil filter
o Hoses / Clamps
o Water pump impeller
o Engine/Blower belts
o Fuses
o Light bulbs
o Spark plugs
o Duct Tape
o Tools
Medications & Medical Supplies
o Medical/First Aid Kit
o Tums, Rolaids etc.
o Aspirin & Tylenol
o Seasickness medication
o Any personal medications
Emergency bag for crossing (Ditch Bag):
o Drinking water
o Flashlight
o Knife
o Medical supplies
o EPRIB
o Whistle
o Hand held radio
o Flares
o Sunscreen
o Three plastic trash bags
Next, Chapter 3
susanandlance
Well-Known Member
Excellent info Randy!!
Odyssey
Active Member
thanks guys. I'm planning on another couple of subjects (chapters) including provisioning, safety and maybe one other. Please add to the lists with anything I forgot.
trit21
Active Member
Randy, maybe put together a 'generic' list of spares you carry and maybe a list of things recommended that would be specific for the owners boat. For example, I carry engine oil, gen oil (same as engine oil), trans oil and coolant which everyone should carry as a minimum. Specific to my boat would be coolant pump, fuel pump, impellers for raw water pump and tool to remove, thermostat, etc. Gas boats should carry distributor cap and rotor, plugs, at least some way to make plug wires or a couple extra wires, etc.
This may give everyone a little more perspective on what you mean when you say, there are no parts to buy in the many parts of the Bahamas and if you need something it may have to be flown in.
This may give everyone a little more perspective on what you mean when you say, there are no parts to buy in the many parts of the Bahamas and if you need something it may have to be flown in.
Odyssey
Active Member
good idea Tom, I'll make that a separate chapter and use you post as a starting point.
ardeprint
Member
- Nov 1, 2010
- 688
- Boat Info
- 2003 Formular 40PC and a 185 SRX 2002
- Engines
- T Yanmar 440's with V-Drives / 4.3 Mercruiser with Alpha I
One important spare part to have for us gasers that tends to fail at the worst possible times: An AIC valve.
Odyssey
Active Member
Excellent point. If anyone has other pointers for gas engines, please post them!
GrandMaster
New Member
- Mar 27, 2012
- 727
- Boat Info
- 1995 Sundancer 290
Generator, AC
- Engines
- Twin Mercruiser 4.3L
Randy, you need to start a whole seperate thread with your Bahamas travel requirements that Admin should lock info in my opinion. This is great information & required reading for every boater in South Florida